Access to swimming pools is considered so vital to our communities our district mayor regularly buys a Lotto ticket in the hope of helping to fund improvements to Pahiatua's outdoor, unheated pool.
All four towns in Tararua have public swimming pools, but Dannevirke's AMP Wai Splash is the only indoor, heated complex. Woodville, Eketahuna and Pahiatua all have outdoor, unheated pools.
"Eketahuna is very happy with their pool, but Pahiatua has $500,000 allocated for the upgrade of their pool to make it fit for purpose," Tararua District Mayor Tracey Collis said.
"The community haven't decided on their options yet, but are looking at an indoor, heated pool. However, they also have to consider its viability and they are looking at all options, including heating, a covered pool, or seasonal opening.
"They need to ensure they make the right decisions for their community going forward."
Peter Wimsett, council's manager of strategy and district development, said as a capital project council borrows for the development of assets such as the $500,000 for Pahiatua's swimming pool.